Lewis Crofters

• From Monday 8th June they will be open from 9:30 to 3:45pm Monday to Friday. Customers accessing the shop will be asked to park at the front on Island Road before entering the shop.
• For fencing related items customers are still encouraged to place their orders in advance by phone to ensure that warehouse staff have sufficient time to compile items for collection. For larger orders placed in the afternoon they may advise collection the following morning.
• As you enter the shop you will be expected to adhere to guidelines such as;

1. Apply hand sanitiser provided.
2. Follow the one-way system around the shop.
3. Maintain 2m distancing within markers.
4. If you need assistance or forget anything please ask at the checkout at the end, do not go backwards when in the shop.
5. Try to go round the shop as promptly as possible to prevent holding others up.
6. Wearing facemasks is advisable.

• Where customers are ordering warehouse items when in store, they will still be given a collection reference and asked to drive round to collect in the yard as has been the recent practice. For some orders customers may be asked to collect later or possibly the following day to allow warehouse staff to assemble their order and manage the flow of traffic in the yard.

Customers accessing the shop will enter by the porch way on Island Road and exit into the yard where they will follow a pathway out onto Rigs Road. This one-way system will allow customers to exit safely. We may need to restrict the volume of customers in the shop at one time.

• We will not be taking any cash payments for the foreseeable future. Payment options are contactless up to £45 or for payments greater than this staff will key in card numbers to terminals.
• Please be aware that customers will be required to be patient and give themselves extra time when coming into the store as they are expected to walk every aisle. We ask that you treat our staff with respect as we all adjust to a new way of working that keeps both customers and staff safe.

Telephone (01851) 702350

https://www.facebook.com/lewiscrofters/

HS Supplies

HS Supplies are allowing 1 customer at a time to enter their shop area, but ask where possible any orders or enquiries are made by telephone.

(01851) 703949

https://www.facebook.com/HS.Supplies.WesternIsles/

Home Improvement Centre

Open 8am-5:30pm

Please use hand sanitiser before you enter the building and follow the flow of arrows for each aisle.

Keep 2 metre distance at all times.

There is one door for entry and one for exit.  Limited numbers will be allowed in the shop so at times entry may be restricted.

Please note CARD payments only at the moment.

Phone orders can still be placed for collection from our carpark, or delivered in the town area.

Telephone (01851) 703646

https://www.facebook.com/HIC.Stornoway/

Boots

Open 9am – 12noon, then again 1pm – 5.30pm

There is a 1 way system in place, and only 3 customers are allowed in store at a time.  You can buy everything as per usual, however there are lots of items on https://www.boots.com/ for home delivery to save a trip into the store where possible. 

Tesco

Currently open Monday to Saturday 8am – 10pm.  Due to social distancing guidance only a set number of customers will be allowed in at one time.  Other customers will be asked to queue outside until they are able to enter, keeping appropriate social distancing at all times.

On a Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am to 10am the store will only be open to those who are classed as vulnerable or are aged 70 plus.

NHS workers and Tesco colleagues have priority on Tuesdays and Thursdays from  9am – 10am

Old Mill Vets

• Clients are discouraged from making unnecessary visits to our surgery. Vets will be out and about doing essential Croft and Farm visits.
• The surgery currently remains a ‘staff only’ area and is closed to pet owners, crofters and farmers.
• All pets coming into the practice for treatment will be collected by the vet and then returned, all payments should be made to the staff through the window at reception at the time.
• Any orders you wish to collect should be made either by email (hectorlowvets@hotmail.co.uk) or by phone (01851705900), with payments made prior to collection when possible. Prescriptions, wormer and flea treatments can be posted out at this time.
• Puppy and Kitten 1st & 2nd Vaccinations and Rabbit vaccinations are still going ahead.
• For sick or injured pets please contact the surgery on 01851705900. A phone consultation may be required or we may request to see your pet at the surgery.
• Please do not contact the vets via their mobiles directly during office hours, all requests for visits, enquiries and orders should be made through the 01851705900 number and they will then be passed onto the appropriate vet.
• Our phone lines are extremely busy at this time, so please be patient. Please refrain from verbally abusing our staff. They are doing their best under very trying circumstances.
• If you or anyone within your household are ill or self-isolating please stay at home. If you contact the surgery with any enquiries we will do our best to assist you.

From June 1st there will be a return to doing Dog and Cat booster vaccinations. At the moment, we will only be doing the boosters on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Please call the practice on 01851705900 to book an appointment if you are overdue or due at the moment. Payment for the vaccine is payable at the time of booking.

From 10th June we are now doing a limited number of operations on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Please call the practice on 01851705900 to schedule any routine operations (Cat/Dog Neutering).

Telephone (01851) 705900  

Eilean Siar Foodbank

If you know of someone in your community who is struggling, please do get in touch with the foodbank by emailing eileansiarfoodbank@gmail.com or on 01851 706650.  Please remember to include a name, address and contact number so we can fulfil requests as quickly as possible.

The foodbank has been very busy recently and are really grateful for your support. They are running very low on a lot of items so if you are able to donate something, every little helps! At the moment they need:

– Tinned fruit
– Tinned rice pudding
– Tinned custard
– Tinned fish
– Tinned veg
– Tinned meat
– Coffee
– Diluting juice
– Biscuits
– Jam

Food donations can be left in the foodbank baskets in either supermarket. 24/7 Taxis have also offered to collect food donations for us in the Stornoway area at set times. You can phone them on 01851 702424 between 10am-12noon on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays.

For larger drop-offs, please send us a private facebook message to arrange. Thank you so much, we could not do this without you! https://www.facebook.com/EileanSiarFoodbank/

Salvation Army

Salvation Army are at Stornoway Golf Club every Wednesday and Saturday 11am – 2pm.  Fresh fruit and vegetables and other food stuffs are available, as are toiletries and cleaning products, as well as baby products.  

https://www.facebook.com/stornowaysalvationarmy/

Western Isles Council

The Comhairle website is full of useful advice and information, including important news.  Find out about Care Home visiting restrictions, school closures and FAQs for pupils and parents, as well as local updates.

https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/coronavirus

Hebrides News

The Western Isles news page.

http://hebrides-news.com

Stornoway Gazette

A Stornoway perspective on news.

https://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk

We love Stornoway

Local news and community information

http://www.welovestornoway.com

Bernera Doctor’s Surgery

Currently, due to pressures on the Health Service at this time, Bernera Surgery is closed.  

The team at Langabhat Medical Practice are doing their very best to answer your calls and address your concerns, but please be patient with them.  

Leurbost remains open only for pre-booked appointments, dropping off requested samples, or picking up some prescriptions when you are told to do so.  Otherwise it is important that you do not attend the surgery.  

Please visit their website for further information. https://www.langabhatmedicalpractice.co.uk

They ask that if you are concerned about Coronavirus please go to NHS Inform for the latest information, and call NHS 24 on 111 if your symptoms worsen.  

(NHS Inform –https://www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus )

Prescriptions

Due to the massive increase in demand for prescriptions it is taking longer to process any requests.  Currently they ask that you factor in at least 72 hours from request to delivery, allowing more if your prescription would normally be due on a Tuesday or a Thursday, due to delivery availability.   

The Bernera Community Association are co-ordinating the delivery of prescriptions to those living in Bernera.  Deliveries will start on Monday 30th March and will be every Monday, Wednesday and Friday until further notice.  You do not need to register for this service.   

Current Opening Times are 08.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday.

Telephone Number 01851 860222

Bernera Post Office

Although both the post office and shop are remaining open it is asked that you please act responsibly when visiting.  There is currently a limit of 1 customer in the shop at a time.  You are also asked to use hand gel (provided) on entrance to the shop, and observe social distancing rules at all times.

Anyone and everyone is welcome to use the shop, even if you are not a regular customer.  For those not able to get out and about, a delivery service is available.

If you would like to order something specific, please speak to Nicola about placing an order.  June and CJ got to town on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday so orders should be placed beforehand.  Deliveries, or collection from the shop, will then be made on the following days.

In addition, they are offering a collection service from Macleod and Macleod Butchers, and Stag Bakeries.  Orders and payment must be made with the individual shops, before collection on Friday each week.  You will also need to tell the shops that collection will be made by Bernera shop, as well as asking June to pick your orders up.

Opening times are 12 – 5 Monday to Saturday, and 1 – 3 on a Sunday (shop only)

Telephone number 01851 612282

Bernera Cafe 

Bernera Cafe has opened its doors for a pre-order takeaway service every Friday.  This new business venture currently receives funding from the Bernera Community Association which allows for meals to be sold at a subsidised price for the time being.  

Menus are usually published on a Tuesday or Wednesday on the Bernera Cafe facebook page https://www.facebook.com/berneracafe/ or you can phone 07762 128 108 to find out what’s on the menu each week.   

You can place an order either by phone, text, or whatsapp to 07762 128 108.

If you order by text, please include the following: Your name, your order, your preferred pick up time. We will text you back to confirm your pick up time and send you a payment link to make payment.

Please place your order by 5pm on Thursday so that your food can be ready for you on Friday evening – orders cannot be guaranteed for any calls after this time.

A home delivery service is available for anyone self isolating, shielding, or without their own transport – please mention this when you place your order. This delivery service is run by BCA volunteers.

The Café will be operating a cashless service where possible, with payment by card preferred, either in advance through a payment link, or by contactless payment.

Bernera Community Skip

From Saturday 30th May the skip at the Community Hall will be open for household waste each Saturday from 10am – 12noon.  Please ensure social distancing is maintained at all times.  Details can be found here on what is allowed to be put in the skip. https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/media/2668/communityskipservice.pdf?fbclid=IwAR2bGGyyLQHOiAX3hzvu9O4F6kIoIuzXCpOyHD8hw45x3fpc7_IQ9LczfGQ

Uig Doctor’s Surgery

Currently, due to pressures on the Health Service at this time, Uig Surgery is closed.  

The team at Langabhat Medical Practice are doing their very best to answer your calls and address your concerns, but please be patient with them.

Leurbost remains open only for pre-booked appointments, dropping off requested samples, or picking up some prescriptions when you are told to do so.  Otherwise it is important that you do not attend the surgery.

Please visit their website for further information. https://www.langabhatmedicalpractice.co.uk

They ask that if you are concerned about Coronavirus please go to NHS Inform for the latest information, and call NHS 24 on 111 if your symptoms worsen.  

(NHS Inform –https://www.nhsinform.scot/coronavirus )

Prescriptions

Due to the massive increase in demand for prescriptions it is taking longer to process any requests.  Currently they ask that you factor in at least 72 hours from request to delivery.

Uig Community Shop have taken on the role of collecting all prescriptions for the Uig area and will deliver them direct to your house.  You do not need to register for this service.

Current Opening Times are 08.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday.

Telephone Number 01851 860222

Uig Community Shop

The shop is doing a fantastic job in trying to keep a steady supply of stock available.  They are also offering a delivery service for all who are unable to visit the shop.

When visiting the shop or the post office please do so responsibly.  Remember the rules about social distancing, and follow any instructions given to you by the shop staff.  Wherever possible it is asked that you pay by contactless card payment.

Please also buy responsibly, do not stock-pile, and remember that a lot of vulnerable people use the shop for all their shopping needs.  If you buy unnecessary items it might mean that others within the community go short.

Telephone number 01851 672444

Virtual Services

For those of you with access to the internet, Lochs-in-Bernera Church of Scotland offer regular virtual services as listed below.

Online Sunday Service – 10:30 am

(Available on the Church’s FB page or Youtube Channel thereafter, further details below.)

Online Sunday School  – 12 noon

Online Prayer Meeting – 7 pm each Thursday evening.

Both the online Sunday School and the Prayer Meeting are hosted on video conferencing.  They are open to all, please email the Minister at berneralwuig@btinternet.com to receive a secure invitation.  Full Safeguarding Protocols are followed in respect of all activities involving children online   

The Sunday Service is available on the Church’s Facebook page, and from Sunday 17th May from the Church’s Youtube Channel, accessible from the Facebook page.  

If you would like any technical help and support to enable you to access any of the online services please get in touch with us at The Daily Ceilidh, for free assistance (01851600159).

OISEAN A’ CHALMAN BANCA PAISDE [DOVE’S WING BABY BANK]

Open to all parents and children residing in Uig, Bernera and Kinloch, through their Facebook page. 

24 hr Contact Number – Text, Message or record message – 07903311934

Pastoral Care

The Minister is available 24/7 to offer pastoral care to anyone in the Parish of Bernera whether or not they come to church.

He may be contacted on: (01851) 672 388 or 07971 057915 or by e-mail at berneralwuig@btinternet.com.

Financial advice and support

If you’re concerned about your financial situation take a look at the following websites that might be able to help.

Coronavirus support for employees, benefit claimants and businesses from the Government.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-support-for-employees-benefit-claimants-and-businesses

Government advice for individuals and businesses in Scotland.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-individuals-and-businesses-in-scotland

Useful information on coronavirus and claiming benefits

https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/

If your circumstances have changed you may be eligible for the Council Tax Reduction Scheme.  Find out more through the following link:

https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/benefits-and-grants/housing-benefit-and-council-tax-reduction/overview/

You might also be entitled to help from the Scottish Welfare Fund

https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/benefits-and-grants/scottish-welfare-fund/

Employment advice, and general advice services

For those concerned about their employment situation take a look at the ACAS website:

https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus

The Citizens Advice have further information on what coronavirus may mean for you:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/health/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-you/

Age UK offer great information and advice on the coronavirus and especially what it might mean for the older members in our community.  It includes information on practical ways to help older people and how to stay safe. There’s also details of a freephone helpline with information, friendship and advice.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/information-advice/health-and-wellbeing/coronavirus/

Mental health and well-being

There’s some fantastic advice and information from the Samaritans for those worried about their mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak.

https://www.samaritans.org/scotland/how-we-can-help/support-and-information/if-youre-having-difficult-time/if-youre-worried-about-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-outbreak/

Mind have a great website with lots of useful information for those living with a mental health problem, or for those supporting someone who is.

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/

There’s also some excellent information and resources on the Penumbra website.

http://www.penumbra.org.uk

Domestic Abuse

If you’re experiencing any form of domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour and or violence, you can call the Domestic Abuse helpline at any time on 0800 027 1234 or take a look at their website for more information.  If you are in immediate danger call 999, and if you are unable to talk you can press 55 on your mobile keypad after the 999 call is answered to alert them to your presence on the line and to the danger that you are in.

https://safer.scot

Drinking Issues

If you think you may be struggling with your drinking, especially during this difficult time, you can phone the Alcoholics Anonymous phone line on 0800 917 7650 at any time, or take a look at their website for other help and information

https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Loneliness and Isolation

For those who are finding this time particularly isolating, Befriending Lewis offers support and information.

http://befriendinglewis.org.uk